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Aerospace engineering can sound like something we all dreamed about when we were kids — designing and testing aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites. Aerospace engineers get to have a hand in the real-world application of all the coolest toys we played with when we were little and they also play key roles in science fiction movies that require blasting a meteor out of space, disarming spy satellites and fixing spaceships during space travel.
It requires intelligence, hard work and diligence in math, physics, and other related subjects. The first step is to get a bachelors of science degree in engineering. The engineering degree is nice to have, but not a must-have as long as the degree is in a related field like physics or mathematics. The most common requirement is a masters in aerospace engineering, MSAE. The MSAE takes about two years and can be completed with a thesis or not.
A doctorate could take up to four years post-undergrad. Purdue , University of Colorado , University of Florida and many other universities offer this fast track. For those who still want to pursue the MSAE after graduating from an undergrad program, they can do it as a standalone.
Accoridng to the U. Aerospace engineers can earn a nice salary as well as have a fulfilling career. Aerospace engineers can work for established companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as well as startups like SpaceX and others.
A tier below comes Washington, D. Working in the government sector as an aerospace engineer can be a solid career choice. A side benefit is that these employers would make an aerospace engineer with student debt eligible for PSLF.
The Air Force is hiring aerospace engineers as well. Most of these jobs appear on Air Force bases around the country. Working in the private sector as an aerospace engineer can also provide a nice career. Private sector employers typically pay better and have a little more autonomy. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are two giants in the private sector, but there are also some startups, most notably SpaceX.
Lockheed Martin is one of the largest aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology companies based in Bethesda, Md. Boeing is most well known for its commercial aircraft, but the company is involved in many other areas. One of the largest companies in the U. Though it started in Seattle, the company is now headquartered in Chicago. Boeing and Lockheed Martin pay similarly according to Indeed. Both companies are also publicly traded and may offer company stock and perks to their employees compared to government employers.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Founder Elon Musk wants to make space transportation more affordable and even claims that the company is trying to help make it possible to colonize Mars. Engineering school can be more expensive than traditional college due to the advanced technology needed for these programs. That being said, the same rules still apply. High-profile schools typically charge more, and in-state tuition is a more affordable option.
Three main factors to look at are student loans, income and type of employer. Refinancing is looking to be the best option for Michael in this scenario. He could go on an income-driven repayment plan like PAYE. The goal would be to pay as little as possible toward his loans and get as much forgiven as possible. Michael should refinance to lower his interest rate and work to pay off his loans in 10 years or less.
The faster he pays back his loans and the lower the interest rate he gets along the way, the significantly lower the cost of loan repayment will be. PSLF has the best projected savings by far. Both refinancing and PSLF would get him free of student debt in 10 years. The one caveat is that anyone pursuing that career would probably end up making more than the average college graduate but would likely need to take two more years to get the MSAE or one year with an accelerated BS-MSAE.
It is one of the most inexpensive graduate programs, however, especially compared to becoming an attorney, veterinarian or chiropractor, where the average student debt is much higher with average salaries at or below that of an aerospace engineer.
These hypothetical case studies offer some straightforward scenarios, but chances are your situation is unique and could require a customized plan. Some of the questions you might face in coming up with that plan include:. To become an aerospace engineer, many employers look for candidates who have gained the following types of work experience:.
Some colleges and universities offer internships or cooperative programs for students. These programs pair you with experienced aerospace engineers to help you gain practical experience while finishing your degree. Taking an internship or co-op also gives you the opportunity to network and acquire professional references.
Pursuing an apprenticeship helps you gain valuable experience as an aerospace engineer. Not only will you learn the job's basic requirements, but you will also be able to learn some tricks and tips from someone who knows everything about aerospace engineering. Several NASA field centers offer apprenticeship programs that last from two months to five years.
Related: How Do Apprenticeships Work? Taking a job as a technician will give you valuable experience and help you build connections in the aerospace engineering industry. You can even work as a technician part time while you are completing your degree.
Using Indeed salaries data, here are the top 10 states where aerospace engineers make the most money. For the most up-to-date salary information, please click on the link above. There are several additional benefits to working as an aerospace engineer, including:. Aerospace engineers are among the first people that get to develop and work with new technologies used on satellites, spacecraft and aircraft. They handle innovations that help improve the lives of people across the globe.
For instance, you might develop a new technology that allows spacecraft to fly longer. This means people can collect more information about the solar system to help future society. You may also test new prototypes for aircraft, which makes traveling across the globe much quicker and easier.
With a variety of shift patterns across the industry, you may be able to choose your own work schedule. You might even be able to change the hours and days you work from one week to the next. Night shift schedules are also common, and many companies offer a one-week on, one-week off rotation to give you time to visit your family, travel to other places and pursue other interests throughout your contract.
Contract work often varies from a few weeks to several months or even a few years. If you are a highly trained, certified aerospace engineer, you can find a job in several industries. Aerospace engineers often work for government agencies on projects that are crucial to national security, which means there will always be a need for them.
Because the career involves aircraft and spacecraft in several other industries, from travel to transportation, you can also find a job in a private organization. Whether you look for opportunities within the same aerospace engineering firm or change employers to seek new roles, gaining more experience is the most effective way to increase your salary as an aerospace engineer.
Gaining a Professional Engineering PE license can lead to higher levels of leadership and salary earnings, as professional engineers can oversee team members and approve projects.
You can earn a state-issued PE license at any point in your career, which usually includes the following:. Check your local state requirements, as some expect continuous education to maintain the license. Most states accept licenses issued by other states as long as the original requirements meet or exceed their own. Many aerospace engineers become technical specialists or team supervisors, and advancing your skill set in this way can lead to a higher salary with the more responsibility you take on.
Consider focusing on systems engineering, engineering design or technical analysis to grow your career and your salary. Become an expert in a certain aerospace field, such as aerodynamics, thermodynamics, celestial mechanics, flight mechanics, materials, propulsion, acoustics or guidance and control systems to expand your career path and salary aspirations.
Other common specializations within aerospace engineering include:. These groups publish trade publications, hold industry events and provide mentorship opportunities, helping you achieve your professional and financial goals as an aerospace engineer. Top levels of aerospace engineers work in strategic project management, program management or in director and executive positions. Besides technical engineering skills and experience, these roles often require strong leadership, communication and time management skills to drive projects and teams to success.
Read more: Project Engineer vs. Project Manager: What's the Difference? Bureau of Labor Statistics , and matches growth rates for other occupations. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in.
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